Burghound (89-92)

Outstanding top value A very spicy, airy and layered nose freely reveals its aromas of black raspberry, violet, plum and exotic tea. The gorgeously textured and more refined medium-bodied flavors exude a subtle minerality that also seems to add a sense of lift to the balanced and sneaky long finale. This is a lovely Vosne villages and absolutely worth considering.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Mid cherry red. Bright red-fruited aroma, more cranberry in its impression of freshness. The stems showing in a light herbal note. Stems adding to the tannins on the palate, too, but they are so polished. Needs more time than some to silkify. Pure and deep with a touch of oak spice and sweetness on the very end. Impressive depth of fruit and great length.

Effortlessly graceful, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Les Montmains 2022 offers an alluring fusion of tradition and innovation. Nestled in the legendary region of Chablis, Burgundy, this wine conveys the unique terroir from the prestigious Les Montmains vineyard. The Droin family’s centuries-old expertise truly gets epitomised in their winemaking process. With meticulous attention to the vine, they create offerings that are a testament to their enduring legacy.

Under Jean-Paul Droin’s guidance, the hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes are gently pressed, fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak, then matured for twelve months to ensure impeccable flavour intensity. This 2022 vintage is an enchanting harmonisation of steely minerality, salinity, citric refreshment, and subtle floral notes. The elegantly structured palate and lasting finish make the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Les Montmains 2022 a richly satisfying sip to behold. This wine truly embodies the soul of Chablis.

Embodying the prestigious terroir of Burgundy, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2022 is a statement of pure elegance. This fine wine's genesis lies in the chalky soils and exceptional microclimate of the Vaillons vineyard, allowing for a distinctive minerality and complex structure that defines Chablis. The venerable Jean-Paul Droin, a fourteen-generation winemaker, expertise is evident in the meticulous vinification process; employing a balanced blend of traditional and modern techniques, extending with a judicious ageing in oak, thus preserving the authentic Chardonnay character.

The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2022 boasts delicate citrus and floral aromas, with a rich palate of white fruits and nuances of almond. A vibrant acidity balances the chiselled minerality, culminating in a finale of noteworthy persistence. This outstanding vintage is a testament to Jean-Paul Droin's mastery, delivering sophistication in every sip.

Dive into an exquisite taste journey with the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros 2022, crafted by a 14th-generation vintner hailing from the renowned Droin family. This acclaimed Chablis commingles tradition and modernity, created with meticulous techniques in the Burgundy region of France. Expect a harmonious blend of freshness and richness, underlined by the minerality unique to the Vosgros terroir.

Each grape in this superb wine has been hand-picked from south-facing slopes, assuring optimal ripeness. Skilful vinification, involving temperature-controlled fermentation of the squeezed juice followed by ageing in stainless steel, results in a wine of structured elegance and intense fruitiness. On the nose, envision crisp apple, pear and citrus blossom, evolving into flavours of ripe lemon and complemented by a racy acidity on the palate.

Indulge in the exceptional Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros 2022, perfect for pairing with fresh seafood or light poultry dishes.

Burghound (89-91)

Top value. Smoky aromas of shellfish and Granny Smith apples gives way to more voluminous flavors that enjoy better acid support on the balanced and sneaky long finish. This isn't exactly classic in style but it's close and is a wine that offers fine quality for its level.

Hailing from the celebrated terroirs of Burgundy, the Jessica Litaud Macon Fuisse 2022 is an exceptional specimen of French finesse. Jessica Litaud, a boutique, family-run estate, artistically weaves complex, mineral-driven flavours into this distinguished expression of Chardonnay.

Crafted in the heart of the Maconnais region of Southern Burgundy, this esteemed wine is nuanced with the quintessential characteristics of its limestone and clay soils. A masterful balance of richness and freshness is achieved through judiciously controlled, traditional winemaking methods.

The Jessica Litaud Macon Fuisse 2022 is an elegant offering with a vibrant golden hue, opening up a palate of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed melon, and a sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts. The finish, encapsulating undertones of citrus and stone fruit, leaves a lingering minerality, emblematic of its place of production. This is a wine that brings the artistry of Burgundian winemaking to your glass and captivates the senses, sip after exquisite sip.

The revered Jessica Litaud Macon Solutre-Pouilly 2022 is the embodiment of exceptional French winemaking tradition. Produced in the famed Maconnais region within southern Burgundy - renowned for its superior Chardonnay, Jessica Litaud embraces minimal intervention methods, allowing inherent terroir attributes to effectively shape the wine. The 2022 vintage demonstrates superior craftsmanship with a delicate balance of ripe fruit flavours, impressive minerality, and a structured finish.

Litaud's Solutre-Pouilly is derived from the lower slopes of the Roche de Solutré, a breath-taking limestone escarpment that confers nuanced complexity in the wine. Jessica, a visionary third-generation winemaker, infuses her commitment to sustainable viticulture practices in every bottle.

Savour this elegant French delight today: the Jessica Litaud Macon Solutre-Pouilly 2022 represents a superlative expression of the Macon appellation's potential.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)

An attractive mid crimson colour. A fine fresh bouquet, elegant fruit, not too demonstrative, but with a graceful detailed red fruit, alpine strawberry and little raspberry notes. Very nicely put together, all about the fruit more than the structure. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted: November 2023.

Crafted with scintillating precision, the elegant Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2022 is the epitome of classic French white. Produced in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, its pedigree mirrors excellence and tradition associated with the Louis Michel family since 1850. The hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes proffer a wine of exquisite character, with tightly-woven minerality hinting at the kimmeridgian clay-limestone terroir.

The wine's deft vinification, free from oak to retain purity of fruit and terroir expression, creates a vibrant aromatic profile. Subtle notes of citrus fruit intermingle with hints of dried honey, creating a tantalising nose. A crisp acidity on the palate is balanced with a profound depth, culminating in a protracted finish that reveals the longevity of this splendid offering.

Indulge in the Louis Michel Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2022, a true gem of Chablis, encapsulating virginity and complexity of Burgundy's best Chardonnay.